Terry John Stavnyck, B.A.McGill University (Economics and Political Science).

(le texte français suit le texte anglais)

Born in Montreal, where he spent most of his life, Terry resided in the Niagara Peninsula before making Ottawa his home. Terry was raised by Ukrainian immigrants in a very authoritarian and unstable family setting. Although talent and creativity were very obvious at an early age, in his late teen years Terry chose to give up all creative pursuits, which he had so enjoyed. He was tormented by his homosexuality, and this was magnified by his religious education, which caused him to turn inward and withdraw. He would do anything possible to hide his true person.

He remained locked in a shell for decades, refusing to express his true feelings. Terry expresses through photography and graphic art who he is and how he sees the world around him. Terry most often uses acrylics, although recently he has been experimenting with mixed media, watercolours, and oils. His work is a series that celebrates a “Man’s Coming of Age” and, the acceptance of his sexual orientation. It is a personal and publicly shared portrayal of rediscovery and revelation.